Sheccid Barranco, an Olfen High senior, completed a UC San Diego OPALS internship that began in July 2025 and worked with seven peers to analyze biomedical data. Their research evaluated whether certain drugs could serve as alternatives to opioids to reduce addiction risk, with students leading data analysis and drafting the abstract. The team presented their paper at the 14th International Conference of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology in Matsue, Japan, on November 1 and received special recognition. Barranco returned November 8, saying the hands‑on experience strengthened her interest in science.
Olfen High Senior Travels to Japan to Present Biomedical Research on Opioid Alternatives
Sheccid Barranco, an Olfen High senior, completed a UC San Diego OPALS internship that began in July 2025 and worked with seven peers to analyze biomedical data. Their research evaluated whether certain drugs could serve as alternatives to opioids to reduce addiction risk, with students leading data analysis and drafting the abstract. The team presented their paper at the 14th International Conference of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology in Matsue, Japan, on November 1 and received special recognition. Barranco returned November 8, saying the hands‑on experience strengthened her interest in science.
08:17 PM, 11/13/2025Science
Olfen High student presents biomedical research at international conference in Japan
Sheccid Barranco, a senior at Olfen High School in Runnels County, traveled to Matsue, Japan, in early November to present a biomedical research paper developed during a University of California STEM internship.
Barranco began the Outreach Program for Advanced Learning in STEM (OPALS) internship at UC San Diego in July 2025. The program connects pre‑college students with researchers, graduate students and undergraduates working at the intersection of engineering and medical science, giving interns hands‑on experience with experimental data and scientific communication.
"My aunt works as a researcher in San Diego and helped organize the program. She knew I was interested in research and invited me to join," Barranco said. During the internship, Barranco joined seven students from the San Diego area to analyze biomedical data for a project that explored whether certain drugs could be viable alternatives to opioid medications to reduce addiction risk.
According to Barranco, one of the lead researchers performed the bench experiments while the student team focused on data analysis and drafting an abstract. "It was fascinating to see how a question can be tested and answered — even when the results are different from what you expect," she said.
On November 1, Barranco and her peers presented their findings at the 14th International Conference of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology in Matsue, where the student team earned special recognition for their poster and talk. Barranco returned home on November 8, bringing back not only recognition but also a renewed interest in pursuing science.
Barranco's takeaway: "Pursuing your interests can open doors to new places, challenges and a clearer sense of what you want to do. Trying things out can help you discover what you enjoy."
Why it matters: Programs like OPALS give high school students practical research experience, strengthen scientific literacy and help prepare the next generation of researchers to tackle challenges such as safer alternatives to opioid painkillers.